VISUAL POETRY
Visual poems are not simply photographs or pictures. Nor are they words alone. Typically, they are arrangements of words and/or images.
Although the artist has a lot of creative freedom with this type of poetry, there are many elements to consider in this form. The producer must decide if they want the visual to represent an object, a theme, a title, or maybe even a select few words from the poem. Will you choose to include any images? Any words? Color? Will you choose to add any emphasis to some words or pictures in particular?
Visual literacy skills really come into play with this form of poetry. Just as one would when creating a painting, video, or collage, an artist producing a visual poem must think about themes, tones, their audience, and especially imagery. Imagery is an important element in all poetry (and compositions as a whole), but it is extraordinarily essential in visual poetry.
I can speak from personal experience when I say that audience is notably important to think about when planning a visual poem.
It may be helpful to think of it this way:
This of course, is not a concrete poem, but view this well-known optical illusion to the right. It has become quite popular...maybe you've see it before? What do you see?
Some viewers claim to see two faces. Others claim to see a vase or goblet.
Perspective is very important with visuals.
When creating a concrete or shape poem, you want the other aspects of your poem to support the visual. One element may not stand on it's own or some comprehension may be lost. Just as a title or a thesis in writing may not stand alone, the visuals in the poem must be supported.
Samples of visual poems
Try putting your own words into a cool shape!
